1942 Harley Davidson WLA For Sale (picture 1 of 28)
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Pre-bids

1942 Harley Davidson WLA

Highlights

  • Reportedly matching numbers throughout, including engine casings
  • In current ownership since 2019
  • Imported from the USA and re-registered with the DVLA in March 2019
  • The vendor reports the bike once won best bobber at Sturgis

The Appeal

This 1942 Harley Davidson WLA motorcycle was originally imported from the USA, where it reportedly earned the accolade of best bobber at the famous Sturgis rally. It has since been upgraded for modern usability while reportedly retaining its matching-numbers authenticity.
The current owner has reportedly invested in a number of mechanical and cosmetic improvements since acquiring the bike in 2019, including a speedometer restoration, new gearbox shifting forks, and a 12V electrical conversion among other modifications detailed below. The vendor took the bike to Italy and rode it extensively through the Apennines, and describes it as a strong runner with a very good patina for its age. Now held in professional storage in Northampton, it is ready for collection or onward shipping.

Key Information

  • Mileage: 17,445 miles (indicated)
  • Country of registration: United Kingdom (imported from the USA and re-registered with DVLA in March 2019)
  • Technical inspection status: MOT exempt
  • Technical specs: 749cc flathead, air-cooled V-twin engine (23 hp) paired with a 3-speed, hand-shifted manual transmission and foot-operated clutch
  • Paperwork: British V5C in the vendor's name; receipts and photographs for speedometer restoration work
    IMG_2409 (1).jpeg 886.9 KB

The Detail

  • 12V electrical conversion carried out prior to current ownership
  • High compression head fitted with valve seats reworked for unleaded fuel
  • Modern carburettor fitted
  • Primary drive converted from chain to belt
  • Modern ignition coil installed
  • Speedometer restored by John Bordas (USA-based specialist), with NOS (new old-stock) cable and restored pickup unit imported from the USA
  • New gearbox shifting forks fitted, sourced from Germany
  • Cosmetic upgrades carried out by the current owner
  • The vendor states the bike is a strong runner that has never let him down
  • The vendor describes the patina as very good for its age
  • All numbers are reported as matching, including engine casing numbers
  • Currently held in professional motorcycle storage in Northampton; shipping can be arranged
    WhatsApp Image 2026-06-02 at 16.21.44.jpeg 1.24 MB
BEFORE YOU BUY 
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following: 
The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions.. 
We request that a non-refundable fee  be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates. 
This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind. 
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing. 
We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence. 
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own  full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle. 
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection 
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase. 
✓ Unless stated otherwise, you must assume that any cherished, personalised, or heritage vehicle registration is not included in the sale of a vehicle. 

Pre-bids

What are pre-bids?

A pre-bid means you're able to place a bid before the official start of the auction. You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.

Auction Details

  • Year1942
  • MakeHarley Davidson
  • ModelWLA
  • ColourSilver
  • Odometer17,445 Miles
  • Engine size749cc
  • TransmissionManual, 3 speed
  • Fuel typePetrol
  • Seller TypePrivate
  • TownNorthampton
  • CountyNorthamptonshire
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • Auction ends

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